Dagenham & Redbridge 2 NFU 0(NL)

This defeat saw Ferriby drop in to the bottom four for the first time this season whilst the hosts went top of the table.

Ferriby could have no complaint about the result. The game underlined the difference between full-time and part-time sides. The Villagers ran themselves in to the ground as they were pushed-back by Dagenham for much of the game. The hosts looked fitter and were generally quicker to the ball. The advantage of being able to train full-time was apparent in their approach play and organisation.

Credit has to go to Steve Housham’s side for the way they made The Daggers work for this win. Just as at Gateshead on Tuesday, Ferriby’s defending forced the home side to shoot from distance and close-range opportunities were limited.

The first 15 minutes were fairly even in terms of territory and possession but it was Dagenham through Jordan Maguire-Drew, Corey Whiteley, Joe Widdowson and Fejiri Okenabirhie. All four were a threat throughout the game

Ferriby keeper Rory Watson was in action as early as the second minute to parry a shot from the right.
The Villagers left far too much space in midfield in the first-half and this allowed Dagenham to cause repeated problems for Ferriby.

Ferriby’s defence was generally solid but Watson was forced in to two saves by Matt Robinson and

Fejiri Okenabirhie. Just when it looked as if Ferriby may go all-square at the interval Oliver Hawkins rose at the far post to head home a cross from the left. To be fair, it was the goal that Dagenham deserved but it was still something of a sickener for The Villagers.

The second-half started brightly for Ferriby and Sam Topliss drew a fine diving save from home keeper Elliot Justham. Had that gone in the game may well have been different. However, it was not to be.

Dagenham started to push Ferriby back again. Watson had to make two saves whilst Ferriby struggled to create any scoring opportunities. Ferriby came more in to game around the 60 minute mark.

Simon Russell probed well from midfield and had a number of efforts at goal. The closest Russelll himself came was a low cross-shot that slipped past the far post with Justham beaten.

Conner Robinson and Russell both fired over as The Villagers looked for the equaliser.
The clinching goal came after 86 minutes. Fejiri Okenabirhie broke down the left and his low cross was turned home by Luke Howell who had just come on as a substitute.

As at Eastleigh and Aldershot, The Villagers were left to rue missed chances that could probably have earned them points. It would be easy to be disheartened but The Villagers have put in some decent performances against some of the better teams in the division.

Housham commented,
“We Could have had something in the second-half. We created a few chances and a goal could have made a big difference. We gave too much respect in first-half; we seemed a little frightened of them. Credit to my players though. Overall it was a solid performance.”